Contributed by: Ben_ConoleyBen_Conoley(others by this writer | submit your own)Published on January 30th 2007Accidental Gentlemen is the fifth full-length effort from Boston's Piebald as the band continue with their ever-maturing sound and present fresh challenges for long-time fans and new reasons for the uninitiated to get in on the party.
My own introduction to Piebald actually came with last year's .

Accidental Gentlemen is the fifth full-length effort from Boston's Piebald as the band continue with their ever-maturing sound and present fresh challenges for long-time fans and new reasons for the uninitiated to get in on the party.

My own introduction to Piebald actually came with last year's Killa Bros and Killa Bees, a B-sides/DVD combo released on SideOneDummy Records. While I was new to the band, it encouraged me to dig back into their catalogue.

Accidental Gentlemen begins with the aptly titled "Opener," which sets things up much like a Broadway medley if nothing else. Piebald wastes no time in testing the listener. The ending of "Opener" is more than 30 seconds of clicking which leads into the album's first single, "A Friend of Mine," which offers a more conventional song structure than "Opener," and sets the tone for much of the album. That is, most of the songs consist of choppy verses with biting vocals and larger, more melodic choruses. There's ton of hooks, but enough change-ups in tempo and structure to make Accidental Gentlemen define itself as much more than the average power-pop album.

The most compelling aspect of Accidental Gentlemen is the stark contrast between the album's upbeat music and vocalist/guitarist Travis Shettel's bitter lyrics -- much as with what is heard with bands like Reel Big Fish. If it weren't for the tendency for Shettel's vocals to nearly flatten at moments, the album would have been a lot stronger. Nevertheless, I'm sure that those who have become acquired with his style are perfectly content with it, and I've got to say it grew on me over a few listens.

Accidental Gentlemen isn't a standout record for the band or the genre, but it's solid effort and worth some time spent with your ears.

I haven't really listened to PIebald since We Are the Only Friends We Have...And from the looks of it, that probably isn't going to change. That album, however, is killer.

Anonymous (January 30, 2007)

Since it was requested, here's 2 cents from a fan of Piebald since the Venetian days...

Piebald is quirky. That is their strength and they know how to use it. This new release is nothing different and it follows the trend line of their previous 4 releases. If you didn't enjoy All Ears, you'll probably be disappointed in this one too. If All Ears wasn't your favorite Piebald release, but still got some quality play time (this is the category I fall into), you'll get your money's worth with this one too. If All Ears was your favorite Piebald release, I wouldn't understand why, but I'd tell you that this one could rival that and become your new favorite Piebald disc.

So basically, there are no tricks here. If you like Piebald, pick this one up! And if you're reading this and you've never heard Venetian Blinds... or We Are The Only Friends... please do yourself a favor and check those out.

Piebald was a good band. I enjoyed We are the only friends that we have but you could hear where they were going with their sound. Then All Ears, All Eyes, All the Time, came out and the bad news was confirmed...they suck. I don't think that I will dgive the new one a chance.

Go listen to Venetian Blinds or Barely Legal/All Ages and listen to the awsomeness that was Piebald.

Anonymous (January 30, 2007)

Listening to this album gives you a relaxing feeling while rocking out at the same time. It's a bubble-gum rock thats pleasing! Going on a road trip? I'd add this to your collection of long car ride music. And not for forget "Oh, the Congestion" is def. one of the best songs.

If a band is going to play this type of mid tempo, meat and potatoes rock they really need to have compelling melodies and songs to back it up. These guys do not have those things.

First of all, this album is much more uptempo, and the compelling melodies are there: "Oh, the Congestion", "Don't Tell Me Nothing", "A Friend of Mine", "Nature Wins". This is a band that has been around since before the emo/indie explosion and hasn'tn compromised anything to be more popular. They've actually gone against the trend and moved to harder/faster when most bands get slower and softer.

These guys are still around? If a band is going to play this type of mid tempo, meat and potatoes rock they really need to have compelling melodies and songs to back it up. These guys do not have those things.

"i like piebald, but i really wish they would stop touring exclusively with emo bands."

They just played some shows with Planes Mistaken For Stars.

Also, to the guy who said he was disappointed with All Ears: This album is better, but still pretty much more of the same. I was going to write a review of it, and still may, where it was gonna get probably only a 3 or 4 outta 10.

Also, I don't mean that Piebald sounds like Reel Big Fish. I was refering to both bands' use of upbeat poppy music twined with bitter lyrics. Am I wrong?

I am unqualified to write a review based on when I got into the band? Give me a fucking break. I had a year to go back and get to know the band, which I did.

Anonymous (January 30, 2007)

then write 'em yourself or get laid... pussy

Anonymous (January 30, 2007)

why are all the reviews on this site done by "kids" who dont really know anything about the band? i mean fuck, you mentioned reel big fish in this review. im sorry but getting into piebald w/ killa bees is a joke. i want some real reviews, not shit you would find in some high school , home made , crap , 3 page zine.